Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
What You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
One sign is a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed (urgency). As urine flows, a sharp pain or burning, called dysuria, is felt in the urethra. The urge to urinate then returns minutes later (frequency). Soreness may be felt in the lower abdomen, in the back, or in the sides.
Other signs may show up in the urine. It may:
- have a strong odor
- look cloudy
- sometimes be tinged with blood
Blood in the urine may be caused by a UTI, but it also may be caused by other problems. Symptoms such as painful urination can also be caused by other problems (such as an infection of the vagina or vulva). Tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If the bacteria enter the ureters and spread to the kidneys, symptoms also may include:
- back pain
- chills
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
Kidney infections are serious. They need to be treated promptly. Please contact your health care provider immediately or proceed to your nearest emergency care facility.
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